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Lichen sclerosus (LIKE-in skler-O-sus) - Lichen sclerosus is chronic
skin disorder that most often affects the genital and perianal areas. It
usually persists for years, and can cause permanent scarring. There is
no known cure, although most people are substantially improved and quite
comfortable with treatment.
Vulval lichen sclerosus
In women, lichen sclerosus results in a white thickening of the skin of the vulva.
It can be localised to one small area or involving the perineum, labia majora,
labia minora, fourchette and clitoris. Sometimes the clitoris disappears, the
labia (lips) can shrink and the entrance to the vagina tightens. Lichen sclerosus
never affects inside the vagina.
The affected skin can be unbearably itchy (the symptom known as pruritus vulvae)
and/or sore (vulvodynia). Sometimes bruises, blood blisters and ulcers appear,
after scratching, or on their own.
Sexual intercourse can be very uncomfortable and may result in splitting
of the skin (fissuring). The skin around the anus may be involved, which may
cause discomfort passing bowel motions, and aggravate any tendency to constipation.
Lichen sclerosus is associated with an increased risk of vulvar cancer, which
presents as a slowly-growing lump or a sore that doesn't heal. It may affect
up to 5% of patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus. In some cases it is associated
with genital warts (human papillomavirus) and vulval intraepithelial neoplasia
(VIN).
excerpted from DermNet .
Photographs of what vulval lichen sclerosus can look like are available
at DermNet. Go
to the Patient Information Link on the side menu and then click on "L"
in the alphabet links bottom middle of the Patient Information page.
For more information on lichen sclerosus:
Lichen
Sclerosus Information Center at vulvarhealth.org, where you'll find numerous
case histories of women's experieces with the disease and treatments.
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